eBee

Product Description

eBee is an electric bike with pedal assist designed for use in Sub Saharan Africa ana offered for the delivery market under a vehicle-as-a-service concept via a subscription basis.

Vehicle cost per week: ~16.84 USD (2000 KES)^{Converted July 2022}

E-fuel per week: ~6.32 USD (750 KES)^{Converted July 2022}

Target SDGs

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Market Suggested Retail Price

$16.85

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Jumia (e-commerce platform intended to test and distribute eBee products)

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Mozambikes.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Unknown

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

eBee offers e-bikes on a subscription basis for the delivery market, through ImaliPay. eBee retains ownership of the bikes and is responsible for its maintenance. Riders can access the bikes via daily, weekly, or monthly subscriptions.

Distributions to Date Status

The current distributions to date is unknown, although eBee Africa aims to distribute 1,000,000 e-bikes in Africa by 2030.

Capacity

35 kg

Gear Ratio

Unknown

Maximum load capacity (kg)

35 kg

Design Specifications

The eBee bike is designed for a maximum speed with electric assistance at 25 kph. It has a long range of 70 km per charge and takes approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge using any standard electrical socket. The bike features a low frame so that all individuals, including women, can ride them easily. It has 7 different speeds and a maximum nominal power of 250 W for the motor.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Local technicians (“e-mechanics”) provided by eBee.

Replacement Components

The bike is designed for compatibility with locally available spare parts. Parts are maintained and replaced by local technicians (“e-mechanics”) provided by eBee.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

eBee Africa is promoting electric bicycles as a more affordable, cleaner, and convenient option for service providers operating on heavily congested roads in Nairobi and other large cities on the continent. eBee’s e-bikes are specially designed for food and light parcel delivery. eBee’s e-bikes have been specially built for Africa.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Potential hazards include traffic accidents or pedestrian crashes, especially when sufficient training has not been received. Users should follow any bicycle helmet legislation or use PPE that has the potential to mitigate injury after a crash, or use other interventions to actively promote safe cycling.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

This paper explores the advantages of e-bikes in the Kenyan community.

Okwemba, C., 2021, Kenya’s E-Commerce Turns to Electric Bikes to Cut Carbon Emission, The Star.

Compliance with regulations

eBee products are compliant with the Kenyan law, Section 2 of the Traffic Act, stating that e-bikes cannot be self-propelled, excluding “throttle” electric bicycles. The product is compliant with the European legislation that excludes the Class-2 e-bikes allowed in most US States. E-bikes are considered under the bicycle category, they have therefore to respect the same rules on the road. eBee is also compliant with rules in South Africa technical limits.

Evaluation methods

Unknown

Other Information

More information about the product is contained in the following articles; 1. Jumia Kenya Partners With eBee To Launch E-Bikes 2. ImaliPay & eBee Are Lowering The Barriers To Entry For The Adoption Of E-Bikes In Africa’s On-Demand Delivery Industry 3. Learn about the world of electric bikes